Journal of Dental Research, Vol 68, 1275-1278, Copyright © 1989 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Depth and area of dental erosions, and dental caries, in bulimic women
R. R. Jones and P. Cleaton-Jones
MRC/University of the Witwatersrand, Dental Research Institute, South Africa.
Dental caries and the severity (depth) and area of erosions of tooth
substance were studied in 11 bulimic subjects and 22 matched controls.
Erosions were seen in 69% of the bulimics' teeth and in only 7% of the
controls' (p less than 0.001). Depth of penetration was greater in the
bulimics, extending even into the pulp, and the area of erosion was also
larger. Scores for dental caries were higher in bulimics (mean DMFS 27.9,
median 36) than in controls (mean DMFS 19.1, median 13.5), although the
difference was not statistically significant. This study suggests that when
erosions are present on the lingual surfaces of maxillary anterior teeth,
as well as on the buccal surfaces of maxillary canines, premolars, and
maxillary incisors, a diagnosis of bulimia is likely. Patients with these
signs should be referred for medical help.
